A self-tanning serum provides an even tanned complexion similar to a sun tan without having to spend hours in the sun. Find out in this article how to apply a tanning serum for a natural finish, without unsightly streaks or lines.
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How to Apply a Tanning Serum?
Summary
- How Does a Self-Tanner Work?
- Rule #1: Prepare Your Skin With an Exfoliation
- Rule #2: Choose a Tan Serum That Matches Your Natural Skin Tone
- Rule #3: Test the Tan Serum Before Application
- Rule #4: Apply the Tan Serum Evenly
- Typology’s Self-Tanning Serum
Published August 9, 2023,
by
Maylis, Chemical Engineer
—
8 min read
How Does a Self-Tanner Work?
A self-tanner is a product that gives a browner color to the skin superficially thanks to the combination of two molecules: dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and erythrulose. On contact with the most superficial layer of the epidermis (horny layer), DHA interacts with the skin's amino acids according to the Maillard chemical reaction, causing the formation of brown pigments (melanoidins) on the surface. Erythrulose, another molecule of the sugar family, reacts in the same way as DHA with a gradual action. The combination of DHA and erythrulose allows for a more uniform, natural and long-lasting (up to 5 to 7 days) gradual tan, whereas erythrulose alone would have produced a lighter tan, slower to develop (between 24 and 48 hours) and would disappear more quickly. Contrary to popular belief, DHA and erythrulose do not penetrate the deep layers of the skin and are therefore not harmful to health.
However, it is important to remember
that a self-tanner does not protect against
the effects of the sun's UV rays,
especially if it does not contain sunscreen.
In fact, having a tanned complexion
following the use of a self-tanner
does not at all rhyme with sun protection.
That's why it's essential to apply a
broad-spectrum sunscreen when exposed to the sun.
Self-tanning products may also contain other ingredients such as antioxidants (vitamin E, etc.) that protect the skin against free radicals responsible for skin aging and cellular alteration. Or tanning-activating molecules that stimulate the skin's natural melanin production, such as carob pulp extract, buriti oil, etc., thus ensuring an even distribution and a more natural tan.
Rule #1: Prepare Your Skin With an Exfoliation.
Before applying the self-tan serum it is necessary to prepare the skin. Mechanical exfoliation or scrubbing consists of eliminating the dead cells present on the skin's surface. It is therefore recommended to do one the day before to optimize the product's performance and allow the self-tanner to adhere better to the skin. A skin that has not been exfoliated beforehand will also make the application of the tanning serum less easy and the result will not be homogeneous. Moreover, knowing that the duration of the tan also depends on the skin's cellular renewal, it is better to exfoliate to have a longer tanned skin. This gesture is also essential at the level of the heels and the various folds (elbows, knees, etc.) in order to avoid that the self-tanning product is concentrated in these places. Remember to wash your skin, exfoliate it and especially moisturize it a few hours beforehand to make the tan last longer. For example, you can use the nourishing body scrub and the radiance face scrub.
Rule #2: Choose a Tan Serum That Matches Your Natural Skin Tone.
Make sure you choose a tanning serum that matches your skin tone for the most natural finish possible. The choice of self-tanner depends on the concentration of DHA: the richer it is in DHA, the darker the shade. There are two categories of self-tanner based on DHA content. In general, self-tanning products contain between 1 and 10% DHA. Therefore, light skin types should pick a less concentrated self-tanner with a DHA content between 1 and 3%, and preferably opt for progressive self-tanners in order to obtain the desired shade. However, darker skin types should pick self-tanners with a DHA content of more than 5% to maintain their tan when they are already very tanned.
However, our self-tanning serum is composed of 10% DHA, but it is suitable for all skin types. Apart from the DHA content, the number of drops applied and the frequency of use allows you to modulate the intensity of the tan obtained in a progressive manner. The more you apply and the more often you use it, the more tanned your complexion will be. The application of the same product can thus give slight differences in shade by gradually increasing the intensity of the tan through multiple applications and the amount of product applied.
Rule #3: Test the Tan Serum Before Application.
We recommend that you test a small amount of the self-tanner on your wrist beforehand to make sure that it is not too dark for your skin color and also to anticipate possible reactions. If redness or irritation appears, stop using the product immediately.
Although DHA and erythrulose are not harmful to the body, self-tanning products may contain other ingredients that can potentially cause side effects unrelated to DHA and erythrulose. With this in mind, choose a self-tanner with a simple formulation to limit the risk of skin reactions.
Rule #4: Apply the Tan Serum Evenly.
To apply, remember to wash your hands well beforehand. Then, using the pipette, take a small amount of the product and apply it to clean, dry skin with your bare hands. Spread it evenly over the entire face and neck, avoiding the eye area. It is advisable to start at the bottom of the face and work your way up, stretching the material in upward movements, and finish with the neck. The fluid texture of our self-tan serum spreads easily and penetrates quickly, without risk of transfer to the pillow. You can use it alone or mix it with your usual moisturizer.
On the body, specifically elbows, knees and heels, where the horny layer is thicker and darker, use a smaller amount of self-tanner to get an even tan. Immediately after application, wash your hands thoroughly to avoid staining the palms of your hands, and remove excess product from the eyebrows and hairline. In the days that follow, don't forget moisturizing your skin if you want the self-tanning effect to last longer.
Typology’s Self-Tanning Serum.
We created a tanning serum with a high percentage of naturalness by focusing on the use of plant-based ingredients. Its formula contains DHA combined with erythrulose. The coloring develops within 12 hours after application and is gradually eliminated in 5 to 7 days with the natural desquamation process of the skin cells.
2 to 3 drops are enough to obtain a natural tanned complexion quickly. The number of drops applied and the frequency of use allows you to modulate the intensity of the tan obtained. The more product you use and the more days in a row you use it, the more intense the tan. Its fluid texture spreads easily and penetrates quickly, without the risk of transferring to the pillow.
Diagnostic
Understand your skin
and its complex needs.
